Kevin Spacey adopts Surry County shelter dog

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SURRY COUNTY, N.C. -- A dog rescued from the Surry County Animal Shelter now has a new home with Hollywood's Kevin Spacey.

The two-time Oscar winner said on Twitter he named the rescued dog Boston "in honor of the city." Boston may never have made it to Spacey's home had it not been for volunteers in Surry County.

"From my home to his it feels fantastic," said Rachel Hiatt who helps rescue dogs from the Surry County Animal Shelter. "I couldn't believe it! I was so happy for her and of course I cried."

Hiatt and 12 volunteers vaccinate and foster the rescued animals and then, through the Stokes County Humane Society, prepare them to head north for the North Shore Animal Leagues adoption program.

Spacey adopted Boston from the North Shore Animal League.

"Up north they have laws where you have to have your pet spayed and neutered so there is a shortage of puppies. [The program] tends to save puppies from high kill shelters from the south and take north," Hiatt said.

The adoption may not have happened just a few months ago. Prior to March, the Surry County Animal Shelter would not allow rescue groups to adopt animals despite their high euthanasia rate. After coming under scrutiny and protest from animal advocates, county leaders and shelter staff began allowing non-profit rescue groups to adopt animals.

"We are making it happen," said Hiatt who believes more success stories are ahead. "It shows that great things are happening for these dogs."